Asus P5E3 WS PRO User manual

Motherboard
P5E3 WS
Professional

ii
E3268
First Edition V1
September 2007
Copyright © 2007 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any
means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written
permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE),
EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY
DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR
INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE,
AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO
RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS
MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or
copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the
owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

iii
Contents
Notices....................................................................................................... viii
Safety information ...................................................................................... ix
About this guide .......................................................................................... x
P5E3 WS Professional specications ..................................................... xii
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents......................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Special features............................................................................ 1-2
1.3.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-2
1.3.2 ASUS special features ................................................... 1-4
1.3.3 ASUS Stylish features..................................................... 1-6
1.3.4 ASUS Intelligent Overclocking features .......................... 1-6
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Motherboard overview................................................................. 2-2
2.2.1 Placement direction ........................................................ 2-2
2.2.2 Screw holes .................................................................... 2-2
2.2.3 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 2-3
2.2.4 Layout contents............................................................... 2-4
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-6
2.3.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 2-7
2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan................................ 2-9
2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ..........................2-11
2.4 System memory ......................................................................... 2-13
2.4.1 Overview ....................................................................... 2-13
2.4.2 Memory congurations.................................................. 2-14
2.4.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 2-15
2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 2-15
2.5 Expansion slots.......................................................................... 2-16
2.5.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-16
2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 2-16
2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-17
2.5.4 PCI slot ......................................................................... 2-18
2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slot....................................................... 2-18

iv
Contents
2.5.6 PCI-X slots .................................................................... 2-18
2.5.7 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots............................................. 2-18
2.5.8 AI Slot Detector............................................................. 2-19
2.6 Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-20
2.7 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-22
2.7.1 Rear panel connectors.................................................. 2-22
2.7.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 2-25
Chapter 3: Powering up
3.1 Starting up for the rst time........................................................ 3-1
3.2 Turning off the computer............................................................. 3-2
3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function.................................... 3-2
3.2.2 Using the dual function power switch.............................. 3-2
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 4-1
4.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 4-1
4.1.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk....................................... 4-4
4.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility................................................... 4-5
4.1.4 AFUDOS utility................................................................ 4-6
4.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ...................................... 4-8
4.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 4-9
4.2.1 BIOS menu screen........................................................ 4-10
4.2.2 Menu bar....................................................................... 4-10
4.2.3 Navigation keys............................................................. 4-10
4.2.4 Menu items ....................................................................4-11
4.2.5 Sub-menu items.............................................................4-11
4.2.6 Conguration elds ........................................................4-11
4.2.7 Pop-up window ..............................................................4-11
4.2.8 Scroll bar........................................................................4-11
4.2.9 General help ..................................................................4-11
4.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 4-12
4.3.1 System Time ................................................................. 4-12
4.3.2 System Date ................................................................. 4-12
4.3.3 Legacy Diskette A ......................................................... 4-12
4.3.4 Language ...................................................................... 4-12

v
Contents
4.3.5 SATA 1~6 ...................................................................... 4-13
4.3.6 SATA Conguration ....................................................... 4-14
4.3.7 AHCI Conguration ....................................................... 4-15
4.3.8 System Information ....................................................... 4-16
4.4 Ai Tweaker menu........................................................................ 4-17
4.4.1 Ai Overclocker Tuner .................................................... 4-17
4.4.2 CPU Ratio Control ........................................................ 4-18
4.4.3 FSB Strap to North Bridge ............................................ 4-18
4.4.4 DRAM Frequency ......................................................... 4-19
4.4.5 DRAM Command Rate ................................................. 4-19
4.4.6 DRAM Timing Control ................................................... 4-19
4.4.7 DRAM Static Read Control ........................................... 4-20
4.4.8 DRAM Dynamic Write Control....................................... 4-20
4.4.9 Ai Clock Twister............................................................. 4-21
4.4.10 Ai Clock Skew for Channel A ........................................ 4-21
4.4.11 Ai Clock Skew for Channel B ........................................ 4-21
4.4.12 Ai Transaction Booster.................................................. 4-21
4.4.13 CPU Spread Spectrum ................................................. 4-23
4.4.14 PCIE Spread Spectrum................................................. 4-23
4.5 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 4-24
4.5.1 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 4-24
4.5.2 Chipset.......................................................................... 4-26
4.5.3 Onboard Devices Conguration.................................... 4-27
4.5.4 USB Conguration ........................................................ 4-28
4.5.5 PCI PnP ........................................................................ 4-29
4.6 Power menu................................................................................ 4-30
4.6.1 Suspend Mode.............................................................. 4-30
4.6.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume........................................ 4-30
4.6.3 ACPI 2.0 Support .......................................................... 4-30
4.6.4 ACPI APIC Support....................................................... 4-30
4.6.5 APM Conguration........................................................ 4-31
4.6.6 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 4-32
4.7 Boot menu .................................................................................. 4-34
4.7.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 4-34
4.7.2 Boot Settings Conguration .......................................... 4-35

vi
Contents
4.7.3 Security ......................................................................... 4-36
4.8 Tools menu ................................................................................. 4-38
4.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2.......................................................... 4-38
4.8.2 ASUS O.C. Prole......................................................... 4-39
4.8.3 Ai Net 2 ......................................................................... 4-40
4.9 Exit menu.................................................................................... 4-41
Chapter 5: Software support
5.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 5-1
5.2 Support DVD information ............................................................ 5-1
5.2.1 Running the support DVD ............................................... 5-1
5.2.2 Drivers menu................................................................... 5-2
5.2.3 Utilities menu .................................................................. 5-3
5.2.4 Make Disk menu ............................................................. 5-5
5.2.5 Manual menu .................................................................. 5-6
5.2.6 ASUS Contact information .............................................. 5-6
5.2.7 Other information ............................................................ 5-7
5.3 Software information ................................................................... 5-9
5.3.1 ASUS MyLogo2™........................................................... 5-9
5.3.2 SoundMAX® High Denition Audio utility........................5-11
5.3.3 ASUS PC Probe II......................................................... 5-15
5.3.4 ASUS AI Suite............................................................... 5-21
5.3.5 ASUS AI Gear 2 ............................................................ 5-23
5.3.6 ASUS AI Nap ................................................................ 5-24
5.3.7 ASUS AI N.O.S. ............................................................ 5-25
5.3.8 ASUS Q-Fan 2 .............................................................. 5-26
5.3.9 ASUS AI Booster........................................................... 5-27
5.4 RAID congurations .................................................................. 5-28
5.4.1 RAID denitions ............................................................ 5-28
5.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ..................................... 5-29
5.4.3 Intel® RAID congurations............................................. 5-29
5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk....................................................... 5-39
5.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS.... 5-39
5.5.2 Creating a RAID/SATA driver disk in Windows®............ 5-39

vii
Chapter 6: ATI®CrossFire™ technology support
6.1 Overview ....................................................................................... 6-1
6.1.1 Requirements.................................................................. 6-1
6.1.2 Before you begin............................................................. 6-1
6.2 Installing CrossFire™ graphics cards ....................................... 6-2
6.3 Software information ................................................................... 6-5
6.3.1 Installing the device drivers............................................. 6-5
6.3.2 Using the Catalyst™ Control Center............................... 6-7
Appendix: CPU features
A.1 Intel®EM64T..................................................................................A-1
Using the Intel®EM64T feature......................................................A-1
A.2 Enhanced Intel SpeedStep®Technology (EIST) ........................A-1
A.2.1 System requirements ......................................................A-1
A.2.2 Using the EIST................................................................A-2
A.3 Intel®Hyper-Threading Technology ...........................................A-3
Using the Hyper-Threading Technology ........................................A-3
Contents

viii
Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• This device must accept any interference received including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the
Canadian Department of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is
required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications
to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

ix
Safety information
Electrical safety
• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the
electrical outlet before relocating the system.
• When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the
power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are
connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system
before you add a device.
• Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure
that all power cables are unplugged.
• Seek professional assistance before using an adpater or extension cord.
These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.
• Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area.
If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using,
contact your local power company.
• If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a
qualied service technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
• Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all
the manuals that came with the package.
• Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the
power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer
immediately.
• To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from
connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.
• Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in
any area where it may become wet.
• Place the product on a stable surface.
• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied
service technician or your retailer.
This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical,
electronic equipment and mercury-containing button cell battery) should not
be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic
products.

x
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring
the motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
• Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new
technology it supports.
• Chapter 2: Hardware information
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform
when installing system components. It includes description of the switches,
jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.
• Chapter 3: Powering up
This chapter describes the power up sequence and ways of shutting down
the system.
• Chapter 4: BIOS setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup
menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
• Chapter 5: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the
motherboard package.
• Chapter 6: ATI CrossFire™ support
This chapter describes the ATI CrossFire™ feature and shows the graphics
card installation procedures.
• Appendix: CPU features
The Appendix describes the CPU features and technologies that the
motherboard supports.
Where to nd more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and
software updates.
1. ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and
software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
2. Optional documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty
yers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not
part of the standard package.

xi
Conventions used in this guide
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following
symbols used throughout this manual.
Typography
Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign
means that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the
Enter or Return key.
<Key1>+<Key2>+<Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the
key names are connected with a plus sign (+).
Example: <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<D>
Command Means that you must type the command exactly as
shown.
Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:
afudos /iP5E3WP.ROM
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself
when trying to complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components
when trying to complete a task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a
task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a
task.

xii
P5E3 WS Professional specications
(continued on the next page)
CPU LGA775 socket for Intel®Core™2 / Pentium®D / Pentium®4
/ Celeron®/ processor
Supports Intel®65nm, Core™2 Extreme / Core™2 Quad /
Core™2 Duo
Supports Intel®next generation 45nm multi-core CPUs
Intel®EM64T / EIST / Hyper-Threading Technology
* Refer to www.asus.com for Intel®CPU support list
Chipset Northbridge: Intel® MCH X38
Southbridge: Intel® ICH9R
PCI-X Bridge: NEC upd720404
System bus 1333/1066/800 MHz
Memory Dual-channel memory architecture
- 4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support ECC and non-
ECC, unbuffered DDR3 1333/1066/800 MHz memory
modules
- Supports up to 8 GB system memory
Expansion slots 2 x PCI Express™x16 slots
1 x PCI Express™x1 slot
2 x PCIX slots
1 x PCI 2.2 slot
Storage Intel®ICH9R Southbridge
- 6 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 10, and
5 conguration
- Intel® Matrix Storage Technology
Marvell®88SE6145 SATA controller
- 1 x UltraDMA 133/100 for up to 2 PATA devices
- 2 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s ports and 2 x External SATA
3.0 Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 10, and 5 conguration
LAN 2 x Marvell®88E8056 Gigabit LAN controllers
- Supports teaming function
High Denition audio ADI® 1988B 8-channel High-Denition Audio CODEC
- Supports Jack-Sensing, Enumeration, Multi-
streaming, and Jack-Retasking Technology
- Coaxial / Optical S/PDIF out ports at back I/O
IEEE 1394 VIA VT6308S controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports
(one at midboard; one at back panel)
USB Supports up to 12 USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports (6 at mid-board, 6
at back panel)

xiii
P5E3 WS Professional specications
ASUS special features ASUS MyLogo2™
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS C.P.R.
ASUS EZ Flash 2
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) at 1 MHz increment
ASUS 8-phase Power Design
ASUS Stack Cool 2
Internal connectors 3 x USB connectors support six additional USB ports
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x IDE connector
6 x Serial ATA connectors
1 x CPU fan connector with PWM control
2 x Chassis fan conectors with Q-fan 2 control
1 x Power fan connector
1 x IEEE1394a connector
1 x COM connector
1 x TPM connector
1 x Chassis intrusion connector
1 x Front panel audio connector
1 x CD audio in connector
1 x 24-pin ATX power connector
1 x 8-pin ATX +12 V power connector
1 x 20-pin panel connector
Rear panel connectors 1 x PS/2 keyboard port
2 x External Serial ATA port
1 x Coaxial S/PDIF Out port
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port
1 x IEEE1394a
2 x LAN (RJ-45) ports
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8-channel audio ports
BIOS features 16 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM2.0,
SMBIOS 2.3, ACPI 2.0a, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS
CrashFree BIOS 3
Manageability WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE, AI NET 2, Chassis
Intrusion, BIOS ash utility under DOS
Support DVD contents AI Booster
ASUS PC Probe II
Anti-virus software
Adobe Acrobat Reader ver 7.0
Microsoft Direct X ver 9.0C
Form factor ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.5 cm)
*Specications are subject to change without notice.

xiv

1
Product
introduction
This chapter describes the motherboard
features and the new technologies
it supports.

ASUS P5E3 WS Professional
Chapter summary 1
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents......................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Special features............................................................................ 1-2

ASUS P5E3 WS Professional 1-1
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS®P5E3 WS Professional motherboard!
The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it
another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!
Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the
items in your package with the list below.
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1.2 Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
Motherboard ASUS P5E3 WS Professional
I/O modules 1 x 2-port USB + 1-port IEEE 1394a module
1 x COM port module
Cables Serial ATA signal cable for 8 devices
Serial ATA power cable for 4 devices
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100 cable
1 x Floppy disk drive cable
Accessories I/O shield
1 x ASUS Q-Connector Kit (USB, 1394, system
panel; Retail version only)
Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD
Documentation User guide

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
Green ASUS
This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction
on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision
of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard
consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.
Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Ready
Supports
This motherboard supports the latest Intel®Core™2 Quad processors in the
LGA775 package. It is excellent for multi-tasking, multi-media and enthusiastic
gamers with 1333 / 1066 / 800 MHz FSB. Intel®Core™2 Quad processor is one of
the most powerful CPUs in the world. This motherboard also supports Intel® CPUs
in the new 45 nm manufacturing process.
Intel®Core™2 Duo/ Intel®Core™2 Extreme CPU support
This motherboard supports the latest Intel®Core™2 processor in the LGA775
package. With the new Intel®Core™ microarchitecture technology and 1333/ 1066
/ 800 MHz FSB, the Intel® Core™2 is one of the most powerful and energy efcient
CPUs in the world.
Intel X38 Chipset
The Intel®X38 Express Chipset is the latest chipset designed to support 8GB
of dual-channel DDR3 1333/1066/800 architecture, 1333/1066/800 FSB (Front
Side Bus), dual PCI Express 2.0 x16 graphics and multi-core CPUs. It especially
includes Intel® Fast Memory Access technology that signicantly optimizes the use
of available memory bandwidth and reduces the latency of the memory accesses.
PCIe 2.0
This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 device for twice the current speed
and bandwidth. This enhances system performance while still providing backward
compatibility to PCIe 1.0 devices.

ASUS P5E3 WS Professional 1-3
DDR3 memory support
The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of
1333 / 1066 / 800 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest
3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR3
architecture doubles the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system
performance. Furthermore, this motherboard does not restrict the memory size
across two channels. Users may install different memory size DIMMs into the two
channels and enjoy dual-channel and single-channel functions at the same time.
This new feature optimizes the use of available memory size. See page 2-13 for
details.
Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology and SATA-On-The-Go
This motherboard supports the next-generation hard drives based on the Serial
ATA (SATA) 3Gb/s storage specication, delivering enhanced scalability and
doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and saves. The external
SATA port located at the back I/O provides smart setup and hot-plug functions.
Easily backup photos, videos and other entertainment contents to external devices.
See page 2-24 and 2-25 for details.
Dual RAID solution
The Intel®X38 chipset incorporates six Serial ATA connectors with high
performance RAID 0, 1, 10 and 5 functions. The JMicron controller provides
another four external Serial ATA connectors for RAID 0, 1, 10 and 5 functions.
Making this motherboard an ideal solution to enhance hard disk performance and
data back up protection without the cost of add-on cards. See pages 2-27 to 2-28
for details
IEEE 1394a support
The IEEE 1394a interface provides high speed digital interface for audio/video
appliances such as digital television, digital video camcorders, storage peripherals
& other PC portable devices. See pages 2-23 and 2-29 for details.
S/PDIF digital sound ready
This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio
systems via coaxial and optical S/PDIF-out (SONY-PHILIPS Digital Interface)
jacks.It allows to transfer digital audio without converting to analog format and
keeps the best signal quality. See page 2-23 and 2-25 for details.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Dual Gigabit LAN solution
The integrated dual Gigabit LAN design allows a PC to serve as a network
gateway for managing trafc between two separate networks. This capability
ensures rapid transfer of data from WAN to LAN without any added arbitration or
latency. See page 2-23 for details.
High Denition Audio
Enjoy high-end sound quality on your PC! The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High
Denition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality
192KHz/24-bit audio output, jack-sensing feature, retasking functions and multi-
streaming technology that simultaneously sends different audio streams to different
destinations. You can now talk to your partners on the headphone while playing
multi-channel network games. See pages 2-23 to 2-24 for details.
1.3.2 ASUS special features
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the
overclocking capability.
AI Gear 2
AI Gear 2 provides four modes that adjust the CPU frequency and Vcore
voltage minimizing system noise and power consumption. You can choose
the mode that best suits your computing needs. See page 5-23 for details.
AI Nap
With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power
consumption and noise when you are temporarily away. To wake up the
system and return to the OS environment, simply click the mouse or press a
key. See page 5-24 for details.
8-Phase Power Design
The ASUS 8-Phase Power Design provides highly efcient operation to
generate less heat (at least 15°C (59°F)) than other conventional power
solutions. It reduces input ripple current and output ripple voltage, which
keeps CPU and power module from suffering the risk of high power stress.
It has the advantages of quick transient response and stability, especially
benecial when CPU requires more current immediately under heavy loading
or overclocking mode.